Dark Skeleton and Armed Soldiers French Impressionist Sketch

Dark Sketch signed by Louise Alix (French, 1888-1980) *see notes below provenance stamp to the back black pastel drawing on artist paper, unframed measures: 10 high by 8.25 inches wide condition: overall very good and sound, a few scuffs and marks to the surface and wear to the four corners and surrounding edges all of which are just from age and storage and all help to make up the charm and character of any vintage art work. A beautiful and original painting from France with a fascinating history. The paintings of Louise Alix (1888-1980) have largely lain undiscovered for decades, languishing hidden in and old town house in northern France, until very recently. A young couple acquired a town house to make into their home and were absolutely amazed to discover stored in the dusty old attic a whole treasure trove of paintings by Louise Alix – that had been hidden there for literally decades, unseen by the public all this time. Why this would happen is anyone’s guess, but we were delighted to be able to ‘awaken’ these hitherto lost & sleeping treasures and bring them back to life again for the public to enjoy and own themselves. We have several of them and it is a tremendous honor to bring them to you here for sale. Born in Paris in 1888, Louise Alix (painter, decorative artist of landscapes, still lifes and portraits), studied under Yvonne Delattre and Henri Zo. She exhibited regularly at the Salon des Artistes Français between 1926 and 1941, receiving a commendation in 1928, the Bernheim de Villiers prize in 1933, and the silver medal for applied arts in 1935. She also occasionally exhibited her work at the prestigious Salon des Indépendants. This large body of work we have acquired, which has laid hidden away in an attic all these years, represents a wonderful opportunity for collectors to acquire such beautiful and original French works, all of which have lain undiscovered and unseen; until now.